Our Leadership
Our executives have a long and successful history within the insurance industry. The stability and expertise of our leadership team helps set us apart, allowing us to provide exceptional service to every client we partner with.
Gary Pearl
Chairman/Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Pearl Companies
Gary joined Pearl in 1985 and currently serves as Chairman/Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Pearl Companies—a role he took on in 1998. Upon the passing of our founder, Jack Pearl, Gary became Chairman in 2018. Gary provides the Pearl team with a wealth of insurance knowledge and experience, which he developed during his years working in various sales, marketing, and operational divisions at both Pearl Insurance and CIGNA Insurance Company (where he started his career). He remains deeply involved in every aspect of the business and is committed to continuing Pearl’s tradition of innovation. Gary also served as President of the Professional Insurance Marketing Association (PIMA) in 2000.
Dennis Dietrich
President & Chief Financial Officer (CFO), Pearl Companies
Dennis joined Pearl in 2005 and currently serves as President & Chief Financial Officer (CFO). With a successful background in finances, strategic planning, direct marketing, and mergers and acquisitions, Dennis oversees strategy execution and operational management for Pearl Companies.
Lisa Hoogerwerf
Chief People Officer (CPO), Pearl Companies
Lisa Hoogerwerf joined Pearl in 2012 and currently serves as Chief People Officer (CPO). Lisa provides strategic leadership and consultation support for all HR management functions at Pearl Companies. These functions include, but are not limited to, compensation, recruitment and retention, employee relations, training, performance management, succession planning, talent management and development, goal setting, policy and procedure development, benefits, wellness initiatives, and legal and regulatory compliance. Lisa holds a Professional Human Resources (PHR) certification and has spent more than 20 years working in HR—with over half of that time in leadership positions.
Gary Hickey
President & Chief Sales Officer (CSO), Pearl Insurance
Gary has over 40 years of experience in the insurance industry and has worked for Pearl Insurance and its predecessors for over 30 years. In his role as President & Chief Sales Officer (CSO), Gary oversees the sales, marketing, account relations, and operations of our union-based association clients and our personal insurance division. Additionally, Gary leads sales initiatives for our affinity life and health insurance division. Gary is a member of the Professional Insurance Marketing Association (PIMA) and the American Institute of Professional Association Group Insurance Administrators (AIPAGIA).
Jeff Palmer
Chief Technology Officer (CTO), Pearl Insurance
Jeff Palmer, Chief Technology Officer (CTO), manages all of Pearl Insurance’s information technology operations including both Peoria and Albany locations. With a Project Management Professional (PMP) certification and over 20 years of experience in information technology, Jeff manages Pearl Insurance’s information systems through innovation and ingenuity. He oversees all software development and systems support, infrastructure and help desk, business intelligence, and IT project management services. He also passionately trains talented internal developers to be at the forefront of technology, ensuring Pearl’s systems remain current and secure. Jeff is also a member of Pearl’s Strategic Leadership Team.
Elizabeth Meyer
Chief Operating Officer (COO), Pearl Insurance
Elizabeth (Liz) Meyer has an extensive background in human resource management, which she further developed when joining Pearl Insurance in 2003. As Chief Operating Officer (COO), Liz oversees daily functions to ensure organizational effectiveness and continually improve client service capabilities. Liz plays a key role in supporting the company’s mission and goals.
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